Publication Date: 17th October 2025
Kate had always been a staunch sceptic, firmly convinced that ghosts were mere figments of the imagination. However, ever since she inherited The Beeches from her godmother, she couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that she was not alone in the house. Kate believes there must be a logical reason behind all the strange occurrences she is experiencing. Yet, doors do not lock on their own, curtains do not blow without a breeze, temperatures do not drop dramatically indoors, and the overpowering smell of rosemary does not linger when there is no rosemary in the house.
Maybe there is such a thing as ghosts after all?
“The Unquiet Spirit” by Penny Hampson is an enthralling paranormal romance that weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural. In this captivating tale, readers are drawn into a world where love transcends the boundaries of life and death, unveiling a profound connection between the living and the restless spirits that linger in the shadows.
The paranormal storyline that intricately weaves through the main narrative is vividly illustrated, immersing the reader in a haunting atmosphere. As the pages turn, the reader, much like Kate, embarks on a journey of discovery, sifting through mysterious clues and ethereal hints to unravel the wishes of the restless spirit. Each detail adds to the eerie allure, drawing the reader deeper into the unfolding enigma. These rich and evocative descriptions immerse the reader in a captivating atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of the surroundings. The intricate details of the letters—such as faded ink and delicate paper—along with the worn pages of the journal, draw the reader into a world steeped in mystery. The unsettling presence of a restless spirit lingers throughout the narrative, adding an unnerving tension that heightens the sense of unease and intrigue. Whenever the spirit is near, the enchanting aroma of rosemary fills the air, weaving through the senses like a soft spell, while a chilling sensation descends into the room, causing goosebumps to rise on the skin. Doors become stuck shut, and curtains blow despite the windows being closed, all contributing to the haunting atmosphere. The portrait of the strikingly handsome man, a single moment in time beautifully captured on canvas, adds a rich layer of intrigue to the narrative. The details of his expression, the play of light across his features, and the depth in his eyes invite viewers to ponder the stories behind his gaze.
Kate is a well-developed protagonist who is intelligent, compassionate, and no man’s fool. Her fear, resourcefulness, and inner strength are portrayed convincingly, and although Kate can be reckless with her own safety, she refuses to let herself be bullied or terrified. When Kate moves into her godmother’s house, she tries to rationalise her experiences, insisting that she doesn’t believe in ghosts. The shadowy apparition she sees is just the result of an overactive imagination, and when things she has placed around the house go missing, she chalks it up to forgetting where she put them. However, one thing she cannot escape is the terrible nightmares that have plagued her since moving to Win’s house. These night terrors leave her shaken to the core and sleep eludes her. Kate is an instantly likeable protagonist, depicted so brilliantly that she feels very real in the telling. She carries her own set of emotional baggage, especially when it comes to men, making it difficult for her to trust. Her relationship with Tom begins on shaky ground, but it gently pushes her toward re-entering the dating game. Kate’s professional competence, contrasted with her emotional vulnerability, is especially well-developed and resonates with the reader.
At first glance, Tom doesn’t embody the dashing hero one would expect to sweep the leading lady off her feet. Instead, he presents himself as a rude, brash, and unapologetically arrogant figure. His initial treatment of Kate is nothing short of deplorable, leaving readers convinced that he possesses no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Yet, as the narrative unfolds and Kate begins to uncover the layers of his troubled past, a different picture emerges. She realises that his harsh demeanour is rooted in deep-seated trauma, reflecting the pain he has endured. Hampson skilfully portrays the grim realities of domestic violence through Tom’s character, challenging the reader’s perspective and reminding us that the victims of such brutality are not confined to any one gender. By the story’s conclusion, we witness a transformation in Tom; he gradually redeems himself, revealing the complexity of his character and the possibility of healing.
Although she only appears in poignant flashbacks, Kate’s godmother, Win, resonates throughout the story. Like Kate, she does not believe in ghosts and tries to find a rational explanation for the strange occurrences happening in her once peaceful house. Kate’s initial reaction when Win describes what is happening is one of carefully concealed disbelief and concern for her godmother’s health. Win’s death is unexpected, and the manner of her death leaves the reader questioning what she saw that compelled her to go outside on a freezing March night.
While Laura, Tom’s sister, plays a supporting role in the story, Hampson powerfully illustrates the challenges of living with a chronic illness such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Laura endures relentless pain, which keeps her confined to her bed for the majority of each day, affecting both her physical and emotional well-being. Meanwhile, her mother, Sue, embodies the unwavering commitment and compassion of a caregiver, tirelessly attending to Laura’s needs while navigating the emotional toll that comes with caring for a loved one who suffers from such a debilitating condition.
The quaint cobbled pavements of Oxford, the rugged coastline of Cornwall, and the historical elegance of Bath—with its stunning Georgian architecture—are brought vividly to life. Each setting is richly portrayed, allowing readers to imagine what Kate is seeing and experiencing. The Beeches, the house Kate has inherited, features old wooden floors that creak and groan like whispers from the past. It stands surrounded by dense woods that seem to hold their own secrets, amplifying the atmosphere of suspense that permeates the story. Falmouth, with its picturesque harbour and coastal views, provides a tangible anchor for the unfolding events, grounding the tale in a recognisable place.
Though this novel is predominantly a paranormal tale, it richly intertwines two profound love stories that resonate deeply. The notion that true love transcends all boundaries is portrayed with remarkable beauty. It illustrates how, when love is genuine and pure, nothing can hinder its powerful force—not even the finality of death itself. The characters’ emotional journeys capture the essence of love’s resilience, reminding us that the strength of their connection can overcome even the most unimaginable obstacles.
“The Unquiet Spirit” by Penny Hampson is a gripping and evocative novel that captures the reader’s attention from the very first page. With its richly developed characters and profoundly relatable struggles, the story lingers in the mind and heart long after the last page is turned. This book comes highly recommended.
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Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now three novels in the series, with the fourth, An Adventurer’s Contract, due to be released by the end of 2024.
Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).
Penny’s books are all available on Amazon: viewauthor.at/Pennysbooks
Thanks so much for this wonderful review, Mary Anne, I'm delighted that you enjoyed Kate's story x
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